This paper describes Project PLAI (Promoting Learning through Active Interaction), a 4-year research-to-practice project designed to develop and validate an early communication curriculum for infants who are deafblind and their caregivers. The curriculum provides a step-by-step approach to assist caregivers in recognizing their infants' early and…

This teaching guide presents a rationale for proactive social skills training for persons with mental retardation as well as over 100 examples of such instruction across the K-12 continuum. Chapter 1 provides a conceptual framework of social competence with principles of what, when, and how to teach social skills. Chapter 2 discusses the direct…

The longitudinal New Zealand project "Competent Children" has two objectives: to describe and analyze variations and changes in children's cognitive, social, communicative and problem-solving competencies from the time they begin school at the age of five; and to determine what impact children's early childhood education experiences,…

This action research project investigated a modified integrated curriculum for students in a multiage classroom who lacked personal and social skills. The lack of such skills in the prekindergarten through first-grade students was documented by means of teacher observations, summary reports, daily behavior reports, student portfolios, discussions…

Second Step, a research-based violence prevention program for kindergarten through middle school aged children, was implemented in several Jefferson County Public Schools. The objective of Second Step is to increase children's ability to identify with how others are feeling, take others' perspectives, and respond empathetically while decreasing…

This paper proposes linkages between the first year and the senior year of college, looking at the results of a workplace readiness assessment. The study was based on the assumption that the campus environment does not prepare students to handle life beyond college. Students volunteers completed a lengthy paper survey prior to viewing a video…

Many children today are entering classrooms without the ability to interact effectively with others; this is often the result of inexperience with social settings. Without proper guidance, these children may become aggressive and disruptive, and are at risk for low self- esteem, poor mental health, dropping out of school, low achievement, poor…

This document consists of three separately published fact sheets combined here because of the close relationship of their subject matter. The first fact sheet, "Communication Interactions: It Takes Two" (Kathleen Stremel), defines communication; suggests ways to find opportunities for interactive communication; offers specific suggestions for…

The efficacy of training learning disabled (LD) adolescents in social and problem-solving skills was evaluated. While all three groups of adolescents showed increased skill levels following training, LD adolescents demonstrated only a slight gain when compared to non-LD and court adjudicated youths on the cognitive problem-solving skill.…

A variety of teaching methods for interpersonal skills training are suggested and explained, including role playing, simulated interviews, stimulus vignettes, videotaping, and clinic experience discussions. Other suggestions for implementation of these methods address sequence, grading, and faculty development. (MSE)

A nonschool community agency, such as the county health department, may provide leadership and facilitate the emergence of realistic school sex education programs. An "awareness" conference attended by school district personnel and community members can lead to a committee to develop objectives for a sex education program. (JN)

This is the second of a two-part article identifying various deprived groups and contributions which educational broadcasting might make to help them. Author gives examples of ways that the broadcasting services of many countries are trying to overcome some problems of deprivation. (Author/CSS)

Examines the role that Yoruba greetings play in understanding the culture of the speakers. Illustrates that these greetings not only establish an atmosphere of sociability, but also communicate cultural information and serve as value reinforcement for participants and observers. Also emphasizes that teaching greetings in Yoruba involves teaching…

Suggests that changes in the structure of medical education can contribute to creating a health care system that helps end domestic violence. Medical educators can provide training experiences that foster understanding of complex social issues and development of cooperative skills, help students integrate them into routine practice, and model…

School business officials' technical knowledge and expertise can make the process of school-based management more successful. The art of site-based management is relationship building through effective interpersonal and communication skills. (MLF)